Africa's unique spirit of Ubuntu took centre stage as the University of Johannesburg made history, becoming the first African institution ever to host the launch of the World Happiness Report.

The event, held on 20 March 2025 to coincide with World Happiness Day, marks a significant shift in recognising Africa's contributions to understanding human well-being.

The report, themed "Caring and Sharing", reveals surprising insights about how African values might hold solutions to global well-being challenges - even as many African nations continue to navigate their own complex social and economic landscapes.

South Africa, for instance, ranks 99th globally on the Life Ladder scale, with a score of 4.98, compared to Finland’s top-ranking score of 7.78. However, when compared to other African nations, South Africa ranks 4th, with Mauritius leading the continent at 5.99.

Mauritius, often referred to as a beacon of stability and prosperity in Africa, consistently outperforms many nations in key metrics such as Positive Affect (0.71) and Freedom to Make Life Choices (0.82). South Africa, while facing challenges in areas like Donated Money (0.14) and Volunteered Time (0.20), excels in Perceptions of Corruption (0.85), ranking 6th in Africa and 28th globally. This highlights the continent’s ability to foster trust and transparency in governance, a critical factor in societal well-being.

The 2024 Life Ladder rankings further highlight Africa’s diversity. Mauritius (5.83) and Libya (5.82) lead the continent, while nations like Sierra Leone (3.00) and Malawi (3.26) face significant challenges. Yet, even in these rankings, the resilience of African communities shines through. Countries like South Africa (5.21) and Algeria (5.57) demonstrate steady progress, reflecting the continent’s capacity for growth and adaptation.

The WHR emphasises the importance of social connections and kindness in driving happiness. Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy, which highlights communal well-being and interconnectedness, offers invaluable lessons to Western societies grappling with rising loneliness and political polarisation.

Professor Talita Greying, UJ’s globally renowned well-being economist and WHR contributor, advocates for African-centric quality-of-life metrics. “Africa’s story is one of resilience and hope. Our communities thrive on the principles of Ubuntu, caring for one another, sharing what we have, and finding joy in our connections. These values are not just cultural but also essential to our collective happiness and offer a blueprint for a more connected world. For example, the report highlights that sharing meals with others is strongly linked to well-being across all regions. In Africa, communal dining is a deeply ingrained cultural practice, fostering strong social bonds. This stands in stark contrast to the US, where the number of people dining alone has increased by 53% over the past two decades,” she said.

The WHR reveals several global trends that resonate deeply with Africa’s experiences:

Kindness and Trust: The report finds that people are much kinder than we expect. Actual rates of lost wallet returns are twice as high as people anticipate, and this belief in the kindness of others is a strong predictor of happiness.
Social Connections: Household size and social support are closely linked to happiness. In Africa, extended family structures and community networks provide a safety net that enhances well-being.
Political Polarisation: Declining happiness and social trust in the US and parts of Europe explain the rise of political polarisation. In contrast, Africa’s emphasis on communal harmony offers a counter-narrative.
Charitable Impact: The cost-effectiveness of charities varies dramatically, with some being hundreds of times better at increasing happiness per dollar than others. This finding highlights the importance of targeted, community-driven initiatives, a model many African nations excel.

The launch of the WHR at UJ is more than a celebration of data but a call to action. As the world grapples with social isolation and declining trust, Africa’s example of Ubuntu and resilience offers a path forward.

Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, said “Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth but rater about trust, connection, and knowing people have your back. This year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters. Each other.”

Professor Greyling concluded: “As the first African host of the WHR launch, UJ has positioned itself at the forefront of global conversations on happiness and well-being. The event not only highlighted Africa’s contributions to the science of happiness but also reinforced the continent’s role as a leader in fostering global unity and compassion.”